Appleton Extra

Appleton Estate is Jamaica's biggest and most familiar name, distilling in St. Elizabeth from molasses on a combination of pot and column stills. This Extra is the twelve year old expression, a tropically aged blend built for smoothness and approachability rather than wild funk, and it shows the house character of orange peel, oak and gentle spice.

Matured in ex-bourbon casks under Caribbean heat, it runs nutty and roasted, with caramel, praline and a charred edge that carries into a dry, dark finish. At 43 percent and unsweetened, it is an easy daily pour with typical Appleton balance, a step up from the eight year and a sensible introduction to aged Jamaican rum before moving toward the funkier independent bottlings.